Square Eyes

Television Reviews

Movie of the week, My Mother's Smile, SBS, Weds, 10pm:

This Italian drama might offend devout Catholics, but it's a fascinating exploration of faith, morality, the dark underbelly of family, and the politics and hypocrisies of religion. Ernesto, an artist and atheist, discovers a familial push for the canonisation of his mother, who was murdered by his mentally disturbed brother, and now needs to confront his own religious beliefs. It's a challenging arthouse film that veers from solemnity to symbolism, the grotesque and surrealism.

Shallow Hal, Prime, Fri, 8.30pm:

The Farrelly brothers tone down their usual gross-out humour in this oddball comedy about a skirt-chaser (Jack Black) who's hypnotised into only seeing inner beauty. He falls for a smart, funny gal (Gwyneth Paltrow), but is blind to the fact that she weighs 300lb. The audience is in on the joke in this cheesy morality tale.

Richie Rich, NBN, Sat, 7.30pm:

Another kid's comic turned into a movie that tries to be ironic, but seems more interested in product placement. Richie (Macaulay Culkin) has it all - even a McDonalds in his house.

The Truman Show, Ten, Sat, 7.30pm:

Only Ten could screen this prescience satire of reality TV without a sense of irony, on the only day Big Brother's not on. It's a world in which innocence is debased by tawdry voyeurism. Sure Ed Harris is an evil and manipulative TV exec, but what the hell... Now where's Gretel?

Nick Cave, ABC, Sat, 10.20pm:

From nihilistic, violent and drug-addled punk prince to the poet of twisted love ballads, Cave is an extraordinary performer and songwriter of international reputation. This profile doco offers a fascinating insight into a compelling musician, novelist and cult icon.

Elvis By The Presleys, ABC, Sun, 8.30pm:

Priscilla and Lisa Marie speak with unguarded candour about living with a legend. Of course there's footage to keep the fans happy, but it's also an intimate look at family life and the tensions behind the curtains.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding, NBN, Sun, 9pm:

Toula (a delightful Nia Vardalos, who wrote the film), is still unmarried at 30, to her mother's chagrin, when she falls in love with a non-Greek boy (John Corbett). Thus an enjoyable comedy of manners unfolds in this wild feel-good romp, filled with all the exuberance you'd expect from a Greek family.

Enough Rope, ABC, Mon, 9.30pm:

Andrew Denton talks to the prolific and high successful film director Steven Spielberg about his life, the personal impact his films have had on him, Hollywood, politics and being Jewish.

Iraq, My Country, SBS, Thurs, 8.30pm:

Melbourne-based filmmaker Hadi Mahood returns to his hometown, Samawa, after 14 years in exile to find a city in chaos. It's an emotional, but not always pretty journey that's not without hope.

Cecil B. De Mille: American Epic, ABC, Thurs, 9.30pm:

A two-part look at the life and 70-film career of a movie pioneer described as both 'a thoroughly bad director' and 'the greatest showman on Earth'. Colleagues, directors and his family all offer their two-bob's worth.